Talks are underway between the Prime Minister's Office and the Ambassador for China to be able to send Provincial council reps to China to be able to learn the trade business.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama made this revelation at the Macuata Provincial Council Meeting in Labasa last week.
Addressing the village representatives, Commodore Bainimarama said with many Provincial councils who have started their various Provincial Holdings, talks are underway to send their representatives to China to be able to identify the hardware needed for construction and to be able to learn the export and import trade.
He added that most of the big hardware companies import 75 percent of their goods from China and as a result, these Provincial reps will be learning how to deal with Chinese importers to be able to stand on their own two feet.
Commodore Bainimarama said the reason for this is that some companies import hardware and tend to increase the price which has seen people hesitant to build houses.
The Prime Minister also told the villagers that this is one reason why the Commerce Commission has been tasked with the investigation into the hardware price hike.
Meanwhile, Commodore Bainimarama also revealed that one of the reasons he is looking at Chinese Cement companies being set up in the country is the fact that there has been a delay in lowering the price of cement which has also seen people being hesitant to build their own houses.
Commodore Bainimarama said that two investors are interested in operating in the country and he is planning to send one to the Northern Division.
He stressed that the only way to ensure that the family is united and is able to stand on their own two feet is if they build their own homes and will start their own businesses.
Story by: Paradise Tabucala
